Toffee Smores Bread Pudding: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Toffee Smores Bread Pudding: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your dessert expectations! Imagine the warm, gooey embrace of classic bread pudding, elevated to a decadent new level with the irresistible flavors of toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy toffee. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you back to cozy campfires and childhood memories.

While bread pudding itself boasts a history stretching back centuries, evolving as a resourceful way to utilize stale bread, the addition of S’mores elements is a relatively modern, and utterly brilliant, innovation. The S’mores tradition, deeply rooted in American camping culture, brings with it a sense of nostalgia and shared joy. Combining these two beloved treats creates a dessert that is both comforting and exciting.

What makes Toffee Smores Bread Pudding so universally adored? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the soft, custardy bread, the melted chocolate, the chewy marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of toffee. The flavor profile is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and buttery notes. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both casual weeknight treats and impressive dinner party finales. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath or Skor)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preparing the Bread and Baking Dish:

1. First, let’s get our bread ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and slightly dried out. This step is crucial because it prevents the bread pudding from becoming soggy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Next, prepare your baking dish. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking and make it easier to serve later. You can also use a baking spray with flour if you prefer.

Making the Custard:

1. Now, let’s create the creamy custard that will bind everything together. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugars are fully dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
2. Taste the custard! This is your chance to adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter bread pudding, add a tablespoon or two more of granulated sugar. If you want a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon.

Assembling the Bread Pudding:

1. Time to bring it all together! Place the toasted bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Distribute them evenly across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle the toffee bits, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using) over the bread cubes. Make sure to spread them evenly so that every bite is packed with deliciousness. Don’t be shy with the toppings – this is what makes it a Toffee Smores Bread Pudding!
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and toppings. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or spoon to ensure they are fully submerged in the custard. This will help the bread absorb the custard and create a moist and delicious bread pudding.
4. Let the bread pudding sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour, before baking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and more flavorful bread pudding. If you have the time, you can even refrigerate it overnight for an even deeper flavor infusion. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Baking the Bread Pudding:

1. Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until it is golden brown and set. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
2. If the top of the bread pudding starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning while the inside continues to cook.
3. Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set up completely and prevents it from being too runny.

Adding the Final Touches (Optional):

1. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can broil the top of the bread pudding for a minute or two to create a golden brown and slightly caramelized crust. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning!
2. You can also drizzle the bread pudding with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. This will add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
3. Serve the bread pudding warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious on its own!

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah or brioche are my preferred choices for this recipe, you can also use other types of bread, such as French bread, croissants, or even leftover dinner rolls. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dried out before using it.
• Toffee Bits: If you can’t find toffee bits, you can use chopped toffee candy bars instead. Just make sure to remove the wrappers first!
• Marshmallows: For a more intense marshmallow flavor, you can use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows. Just swirl it over the top of the bread pudding before baking.
• Chocolate Chips: You can use any type of chocolate chips you like, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. You can also add other types of chocolate, such as chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks.
• Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, you can use other types of nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of your bread pudding. You can add a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
• Fruit Additions: Consider adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for added texture and flavor.
• Boozy Bread Pudding: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur to the custard mixture. Bourbon, rum, or amaretto would all be delicious choices.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Troubleshooting:

• Bread Pudding is Too Dry: If your bread pudding is too dry, it could be because you didn’t use enough custard or because you overbaked it. Next time, try using a little more custard or reducing the baking time. You can also add a drizzle of milk or cream after baking to moisten it up.
• Bread Pudding is Too Soggy: If your bread pudding is too soggy, it could be because you didn’t toast the bread cubes enough or because you used too much custard. Next time, make sure to toast the bread cubes until they are lightly golden and slightly dried out. You can also reduce the amount of custard slightly.
• Bread Pudding is Burning on Top: If the top of your bread pudding is burning before the inside is cooked through, tent it with aluminum foil to protect it from the heat.
• Custard is Curdling: If your custard curdles, it could be because you overheated it. Make sure to whisk the custard constantly while it’s cooking and remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens.

Serving Suggestions:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Special Occasions: This bread pudding is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any other special occasion.

Enjoy your delicious Toffee Smores Bread Pudding! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this decadent treat. Remember to have fun in the kitchen and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This Toffee Smores Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a chilly evening, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one gooey, delicious package. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation. The combination of the soft, custardy bread, the rich toffee bits, the melty chocolate, and the toasted marshmallows creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes childhood memories of campfires and s’mores, but with a sophisticated twist that makes it perfect for any occasion.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward enough for even novice bakers to follow. But more importantly, it’s the sheer joy it brings. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is intoxicating, and the look on people’s faces when they take their first bite is priceless. It’s a dessert that sparks conversation, creates connections, and leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations! While this Toffee Smores Bread Pudding is divine on its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it to another level. For a truly decadent experience, try drizzling it with some extra melted chocolate or caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and create a delightful salty-sweet contrast.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Challah or brioche would add an extra layer of richness, while sourdough would provide a subtle tang. You can also swap out the toffee bits for other candies, such as peanut butter cups or chopped-up Snickers bars. And if you’re not a fan of marshmallows (though I can’t imagine why!), you can simply omit them or replace them with a streusel topping for added crunch. For a boozy twist, consider soaking the bread in a mixture of milk and a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur, like bourbon or rum. This will add a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Another fun variation is to make individual bread puddings in ramekins. This is perfect for portion control and also allows you to customize each serving with different toppings. You could even create a bread pudding bar where everyone can choose their own toppings and create their perfect dessert.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and how much everyone enjoyed it. Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know what you think. Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy every single bite of this incredible Toffee Smores Bread Pudding! I can’t wait to see your creations!